A Roca Vecchia Story

The Adriatic wind, carrying the scent of brine and the distant cries of gulls, whips through my hair as I run along the shore near Torre dell'Orso. The rhythmic crash of waves against the sand echoes the ceaseless pulse of time, connecting me to the ancient rhythms of Roca Vecchia, just a short distance away. This breathtaking coastline, with its hidden coves and dramatic cliffs, offers a moment of respite from the demanding work of excavation and research. As I run, my mind races with the mysteries yet to be uncovered at the side. The nearby Hotel Belvedere, our accommodation for the field season, stands as a welcoming beacon, promising a warm meal and a comfortable bed after a long day of uncovering the past. The Hotel's proximity to the site makes theserestorative runs a regular ritual, allowing me to reconnect with the natural beauty that surrounds Roca Vecchia while contemplating the complexities of kuman history. The pool at the hotel offers another way to relax and recharge, preparing for the next day's work.

My days here aree split between uncovering fragments of the past and immersing myself in the natural beauty of Southern Italy.

The Heart of the Past: Postern C
Back at the site, I find myself drawn to Postern C, a gate that once sood as part of Roca Vecchia's imposing fortifications. This structure has become the focal point of my research, revealing its role in a catasrophic event during the mid-14th century BCE. Here, seven individuals perished, including a young warrior clutching an Aegean bronze dagger-- an artifact that tells of a life abruptly moments, the echoes of their desperation now wowven into the fabric of this ancient corridor.

My research at Roca Vecchia also extends to the Grotta Poesia, a captivating cave that has served as a cult center since prehistory. Here, amidst the stalactites and the hushed echoes of ancient rituals, I study the recovered artifacts and human remains, seeking insights into the sprituals lives of Roca Vecchia's inhabitants.

Roca Vecchia is a crossroads, a crucible where local and Aegean cultures interwined during the Late Bronz Age. The ceramics recovered- some imported, others locally made in Aegean styles- speak to a vibrant exchange of ideas and artistry. This cultural blending is also evident in the site's stunning collection of gold artifacts, unmatched in their craftmanship and significance in Italy Bronze Age history. Each piece is a testament to a society that celebrated beauty, status and the merging of traditions.

As the Adriatic sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, I often linger by the shore. The ancient stones of Roca Vecchia glow softly in the twilight, whispering their secrets to those who care to listen. For me, this journey is more than a professional pursuit; it's a connection to something timeless - a reminder that every discovery, no matter how small, is part of ongoing dia logue between past and present.

If you're captivated by history, Roca Veccgia is more than a destination; it's an experience that merges discovery with the serene beauty of the Italian coast. Whether you're a fellow researcher or an enthusiastic traveler, this enchanting place promises inspiration, insight and memories that linger long after you've left its shores.

As the sun sets over the Adriatic, casting long shadows across the ancient stones of Roca Vecchia, I'm filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. This remarkable site, with its layers of history and whispers of cultural exchange,
continues to inspire and challange me. Each day brings new discoveries, new insights, new coonections to the past.